Gaming consoles are expensive, so the choice you make is important and a bit of an investment! Gamers should do their research before purchasing one. Lucky for you, we did it for you! Whether this is your first or 20th console, read on for the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular gaming consoles: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

PlayStation 4

The PlayStation 4 was released in November 2013. It has sold far more consoles than its two competitors. The standard console (PlayStation 4 Slim) sells for $299.99. The more expensive console (PlayStation 4 Pro) sells for $399.99. Both the PlayStation 4 Slim and the PlayStation 4 Pro have one terabyte of storage. Compared to the PlayStation 4 Slim, the PlayStation 4 Pro has higher resolution (4K–check if your TV is 4K before buying) and faster loading times, so the gameplay is far more realistic. It is, however, more expensive and heavier than the PlayStation 4 Slim. If you are a serious gamer who is willing to pay up for a more powerful console, the PlayStation 4 Pro is the way to go. If you are buying a console for children, an infrequent gamer, prefer a lighter console, or on a budget, the PlayStation 4 Slim is the console for you. The PlayStation 4 has far more game exclusives (meaning they are only available on PlayStation) than the Xbox One, including hits The Last Guardian, Days Gone, and Infamous Second Son. The PlayStation 4 has virtual reality goggles, which immerse you in the game more than a normal controller. The Xbox One and Nintendo Switch do not have virtual reality.

Xbox One

The Xbox One was released in November 2013 just like the PlayStation 4. The standard console (Xbox One S) sells for $299.99 but comes with a large selection of bundled games. The more expensive console (Xbox One X) sells for $499.99 and also has included games. Both the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X have one terabyte of storage. The Xbox One X’s resolution is 4K, but it has far more RAM (storage) and faster loading times than the PlayStation 4 Pro which earns its title as the most powerful gaming console on the market. It is also the only console to have a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray Player. The Xbox One X is the most expensive console money can buy. As with the PlayStation 4 Slim versus the PlayStation 4 Pro, people who regularly game and want a life-like experience, should pay up for the more expensive model. The Xbox One S is still a great option and more budget friendly. If you want to play your old Xbox 360 games, Xbox One is far more backward compatible than PlayStation 4. On the Xbox One, you are able to play games with gamers not using the Xbox One (such as an iPhone, computer, virtual reality goggles, or Nintendo Switch). If you own many games and movies and need more storage than the terabyte, there are more USB ports on the console than the PlayStation 4, thus more external storage opportunities.

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch was released in March 2017 making it the newest of the three consoles. The standard console sells for $299.99. It comes in two color styles: solid gray and neon blue and red. But the controllers, called Joycons, can actually be purchased separately in a multitude of color schemes! It has 32 gigabytes of storage, which is far less than the other two consoles. Unlike the first two consoles, it is portable and does not require a television, making it is very versatile. There are two ways to use the Nintendo Switch: either hold it in your hands or dock it at your television. The resolution is nowhere near the PlayStation or Xbox’s resolution. There is no disc port, instead, the games are on a cartridge. You can’t stream Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, either.

Still Unsure?

At the end of the day, all of these consoles are excellent choices. It really depends on your personal preference when making a purchase. If you still can’t decide which console to buy, both PlayStation and Xbox are likely to release the next generation of consoles in 2020. Thus, holding out to buy a console isn’t the worst idea. A generation of consoles usually lasts for 6 to 8 years so these new consoles will last you many years of gaming. The new Nintendo Switch may drop in the second half of 2019. In the case of buying a console, delaying the big decisions is a smart way to go!

Get Them All With GameTruck!

GameTruck Inland Empire has all three of the best consoles on the market so you can sample them at your next GameTruck event! Whether you have a birthday, corporate event, wedding, or friends’ night coming up, a GameTruck is a perfect addition. Servicing the Inland Empire community since 2011, owner Tony Jevne and his entire crew of GameCoaches would love to provide the entertainment for your next event. Book GameTruck Inland Empire today! Call 866-253-3191.